Sheltering Nature: Part II

In the aftermath of the disastrous Exxon Valdez Oil spill 25 years ago in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, a group of international artists produced a traveling exhibition about the devastating effect of the spill on the Copper River Delta. Their efforts inspired a group of 21 Minnesota and Wisconsin artists and illustrators to scrutinize neglected and endangered environments of these states. From their work came Project Art for Nature (PAN) which produces art exhibitions encouraging the protection, restoration and appreciation of native forests, prairies, wetlands and savannah. Each artist studies a particular landscape in all seasons for three years. Their responses range from atmospheric paintings to keenly observed drawings of insects, plants or animals; from woodblock or silk-screened prints to mixed-media compositions. In a two-part summer show, PAN members are hoping to raise understanding of these fragile environments. Up to 20 percent of their sale proceeds will go to support natural areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Mary Abbe